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Elections introduction

The elections for the various central and public authorities which operate within the democratic process are usually governed by prescribed cycles and statutory timetables. Such elections range from those specifically for the European Parliament, UK Parliament, local authorities and Town/Parish councils.

Since local government reorganisation in 1997/98 elections concerning the County Council have been held on:
1997 (Shadow elections)

7 June, 2001
5 May. 2005
The next full election is due to be held in May, 2009.

At a local authority level in Worcestershire there are various types of councils. This includes the County Council, six district councils and approximately 160 separate town and Parish Councils. These pages specifically cover County Council elections. However, there are separate menu links to select from for Parliamentary and European elections. Each District Council deals with its own elections separately, together with the elections for Town/Parish Councils. The conduct and arrangements for specific elections in the county are normally handled by returning officers who are appointed from the district councils. This is the norm because that is where the administrative expertise is based and also each district council  has the responsibility for the electoral registration service.

The Department for Constitutional Affairs has responsibility for all elections related policy, conduct of elections and development of new methods of voting. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister also has responsibility for what local elections are to be held and when they are required.

The Electoral Commission has responsibility within the voting system for the electoral arrangements that will apply (e.g. electoral equality, council boundaries and community identity) and for the analysis of the electoral process and its future success.